In what’s shaping up to be one of the most unusual Halloween celebrations in recent White House memory, President Joe Biden turned heads Wednesday night with a string of playful, if awkward, interactions with children dressed up for the holiday.

The president, 81, leaned into his role as “Trickster-in-Chief,” engaging the costumed kiddos with nibbling gestures that left some amused and others bemused. Among the highlights was a moment where Biden pretended to “chomp” a baby dressed as a chicken—complete with a “Jaws” theme soundtrack for effect.

As the playful antics unfolded, onlookers took to social media, comparing the surreal scene at the White House to an equally bizarre moment on the campaign trail in Wisconsin, where GOP nominee Donald Trump mingled with supporters from the seat of a garbage truck, donning an orange safety vest.

Right-wing commentator Nick Sorter summed up the contrast with a tweet that went viral: “President Trump is mingling with garbagemen at his rally in Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Joe Biden is literally BITING BABIES at the White House Halloween Party. WTF IS THIS TIMELINE?”

President Trump is mingling with garbage men at his rally in Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, Joe Biden is literally BITING BABIES at the White House Halloween Party.

WTF IS THIS TIMELINE? pic.twitter.com/wYIzsDjxDt

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 31, 2024

For many on social media, the playful bites brought back memories of Biden’s German shepherd, Major, who had a history of nipping at White House staff, prompting one user to joke, “Maybe he learned it from his owner.”

Critics were quick to highlight the president’s penchant for these offbeat gestures, noting how such behavior fuels ongoing questions about Biden’s judgment and mental acuity. As the current administration heads into its final months, these Halloween antics added another chapter to Biden’s repertoire of memorable, if sometimes eyebrow-raising, moments.

With the race tightening, every move by Biden and Trump is drawing heightened scrutiny. The White House Halloween tradition may be Biden’s last before leaving office, but it’s unlikely these playful “chomps” will soon be forgotten, especially in an election cycle where every move is amplified and ripe for commentary.

As Biden’s team focuses on damage control, his Halloween antics stand as yet another marker in a uniquely unpredictable race.